Social media has revolutionized the way we connect with each other and share information, but it’s important to remember that the digital world can have real-world consequences. When it comes to personal injury claims, social media can do more harm than you think. While it can be a useful tool for staying connected with friends and family during difficult times, it can also be a source of damaging evidence that could hurt your case. In this blog post, we’ll explore how social media can harm an injury claim in Arizona and why it’s important to be mindful of your online activity when pursuing a personal injury case.
3 Ways a Social Media Post Can Harm an Injury Claim
Even innocent posts can be taken out of context and used to dispute your claim. That’s why it’s important to be careful about what you share on social media when you have an ongoing personal injury claim. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may use social media posts as evidence to undermine your claim, so it’s best to avoid sharing anything related to your claim on social media.
Here are few examples of how social media posts can harm a personal injury claim:
- A person claims they were injured in a car accident and are unable to work, but they post photos on social media of themselves engaging in physical activities, such as playing sports or lifting weights. Or, a family member or friend tags them in a photo that shows them tossing a hatchet at a local axe throwing bar. The insurance company or defense lawyer may use these photos as evidence that the person is not as injured as they claim to be, which can potentially harm their claim.
- A person claims they were injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a store, but they post on social media that they were wearing high heels at the time of the accident. The defense lawyer may use this post as evidence that the person was partially responsible for their own injury, which can potentially harm their claim.
- A person claims they were injured in an accident and are seeking compensation for medical expenses, but they post on social media that they are going on a vacation or spending money on expensive items. The insurance company or defense lawyer may use these posts as evidence that the person is well enough to travel via photos and location tracking and does not need as much compensation as they claim, which can potentially harm their claim.
Overall, it’s best to just avoid posting anything related to your personal injury case on social media and to be cautious about what you share publicly.
A Real-life Example of an Insurance Company Denying Coverage
Here’s one real-life example when an insurance company denied an injury claim based on what a slip and fall victim shared over social media:
In 2017, a woman in Florida filed a personal injury claim after she was injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store. She claimed that the accident caused her to suffer from permanent injuries and lost wages. However, during the course of the investigation, the grocery store’s insurance company discovered that the woman had posted photos on Facebook that showed her engaging in activities that were inconsistent with her claims of injury.
Specifically, the photos showed her:
- playing mini-golf
- riding an elephant
- participating in other physical activities.
Based on these posts, the insurance company argued that the woman’s injuries were not as severe as she claimed and denied coverage for her injury claim.
Before hitting that “share” button, take a moment to think how your post or comments could harm your legal claim. And if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and don’t post.
Our Phoenix Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
In addition to being mindful of your online presence, it’s also important to be prepared for the unexpected. If you or a loved one have suffered harm due to someone else’s actions, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of our Arizona clients and obtaining the compensation they deserve. That includes explaining the different reasons why posting on social media can harm your injury claim.
Contact Lerner and Rowe for a free consultation to discuss your injury claim and to learn how we can help you navigate the legal process. You can reach us by dialing 844-977-1900. We’ll gladly take your call at any hour, even on the weekends. You can also contact us 24/7 through our website’s LiveChat feature and online FREE online form.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.